Work Performed by Francis Daniels Moore, Essay Example

While it was clear that much of the work performed by Francis Daniels Moore was highly unethical, the ideas that he implemented held elements of genius. There were many instances in which Dr. Moore had used his ingenuity to better the field of medicine. For example using Vaseline to protect burned skin rather than the traditional tannic acid method had allowed him to save the lives of many burn victims. Furthermore, the research he conducted allowed doctors to gain a greater understanding of the body’s chemistry, which allowed future researchers to build upon these findings. However, Dr. Moore’s science took an unethical turn with experimental surgical procedures, such as the mitral valvulotomy. While patients who underwent this surgery had a high likelihood of death of complications, Moore continued to experiment with the use of this technique despite its risk.

Ultimately, Dr. Francis Daniels Moore can be considered both a maverick and a madman, as it is clear that his tendency to participate in unethical experiments were derived from his fascination with the human body and the want to help improve the medical state of his patients. However, he recognized that for these techniques to be perfected, not all of his experiments could be successful. While the terrible acts that Moore committed are difficult to justify, it is clear that his work contributed to our modern understanding of human physiology and is the basis of much of the research that is conducted by scientists today.

Dr. Jack MacKee in “The Doctor” is somewhat reminiscent of Dr. Moore in terms of the disconnect that both individuals appear to have with regards to their patients. It is clear that while Dr. Moore had spent some of his life as a patient, as evident by his struggle with asthma, he is unable to fully see his patients as human which is why he is able to treat them as materials needed for his experiments. Likewise, Dr. MacKee begins the movie showing the viewer that he does not experience emotions to the same extent as his patient and as a consequence is unable to form a relationship with them. However, when MacKee requires a throat biopsy, he begins to live the life that his patients do, which makes him understand them better.

The readings in this module support the concept that it is important to gain an understanding of treatment from the patient’s perspective in order to be a good doctor. As a consequence, having a good bedside manner is a reflection of the health care professional’s ability to determine the needs of the patient both medically and emotionally. When Dr. McKee experiences the coldness of his own doctor during his surgery and the warmth of his fellow patients, he recognizes that he needs to change his behavior in order to be an effective physician. This change encourages Dr. MacKee to teach other physicians about implementing good bedside manner in order to positively influence the experience of their patients.

This is a significant shift in practice because Dr, MacKee uses his own experience to direct practice. Good practitioners are able to use the lessons they learn to instruct others how to improve patient care. In this case, Dr. MacKee makes the trauma that he had experienced into a teachable moment that will improve the hospital’s practices as a whole.

Doctors have changed significantly over time compared to those of the past. This change is due primarily to the legal changes that have occurred in medical practice that require physicians to be more accountable for their actions. Furthermore, this legal precedent set up a code of ethics that both physicians and researchers must follow when working with human patients. These regulations impose hefty fines and threaten the career of a doctor if these rules are not followed and someone becomes hurt as a consequence. Medical ethics also establish the need for federal, state, and institutional operational requirements that cause hospitals and other health care facilities to constantly strive for quality improvement.

Ultimately, these changes are beneficial. When medicine is regulated, society can be more certain that doctors are taking actions to benefit, rather than harm patients. The information that we learned from the experiments Dr. Moore conducted would still be attainable under modern ethical requirements, but the research would have been done in a manner that maximized benefit and minimized harm and death. The experiences of doctors in the past have indicated this need for enhanced regulation, and as a consequence of the implementation of these policies, the extent of the quality of patient care has improved significantly in the country. This is consistent with the Hippocratic Oath. Doctors promise to do no harm, but the ability to follow this rule comes into question when one thinks about what harm is. Institutional, state, and federal codes help remove the gray areas from this process, which allows everyone to have access to a much safer medical care.